January 2009 Archives
he feature travel article in the Sunday edition of The Washington Post by writer Clay Risen described the trek he took through the "back roads" of Alabama. His recent trip to the state included the cities of Fairhope, Coden, Dauphin Island, Demopolis, Newbern, Thomaston, Forkland, Florence, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia. Highlighted in the article were Fairhope's downtown area, Fort Gaines, the Rural Heritage Center, Trowbridge's Restaurant, Billy Reid Designs, the Rosenbaum House, W.C. Handy Museum, Ivy Green, Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, and the Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard.
From the introduction to the feature article "Let Us Now Praise the Back Roads of Alabama" by Clay Risen in the Sunday, Jan. 25 edition of The Washington Post:
It's true: Even the Birmingham airport smells like barbecue. And it's true that there is no better football than November's Auburn-Alabama game, a.k.a. the Iron Bowl. And of course it's true that the state is bounded, at its northern and southern edges, by two great tourist draws: the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, just below the Tennessee border, and the USS Alabama, docked permanently in Mobile Bay. But there is a lot more to Alabama than pork and pigskins. Despite the proliferation of suburbs and highways, vast pockets of the state have managed to hold onto their roots, and even develop new ones. Such appreciation doesn't come naturally to me as a Tennessean. In the same way Northerners look down on Southerners, as a general rule northern Southerners (we call it the "Mid-South") look disparagingly at our lower-state neighbors. But my attitude changed a few years ago, when I ventured down to Fairhope, a small town on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. In what has become an annual pilgrimage, I was there for Southern Writers Reading, a pre-Thanksgiving literary festival that draws heavily on the local arts community. Downtown Fairhope, just a few blocks in from a bluff that offers striking views of the bay, is a warren of boutiques and cafes, galleries and restaurants......
For the complete article see http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/23/AR2009012301957.html
From the introduction to the feature article "Let Us Now Praise the Back Roads of Alabama" by Clay Risen in the Sunday, Jan. 25 edition of The Washington Post:
It's true: Even the Birmingham airport smells like barbecue. And it's true that there is no better football than November's Auburn-Alabama game, a.k.a. the Iron Bowl. And of course it's true that the state is bounded, at its northern and southern edges, by two great tourist draws: the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, just below the Tennessee border, and the USS Alabama, docked permanently in Mobile Bay. But there is a lot more to Alabama than pork and pigskins. Despite the proliferation of suburbs and highways, vast pockets of the state have managed to hold onto their roots, and even develop new ones. Such appreciation doesn't come naturally to me as a Tennessean. In the same way Northerners look down on Southerners, as a general rule northern Southerners (we call it the "Mid-South") look disparagingly at our lower-state neighbors. But my attitude changed a few years ago, when I ventured down to Fairhope, a small town on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. In what has become an annual pilgrimage, I was there for Southern Writers Reading, a pre-Thanksgiving literary festival that draws heavily on the local arts community. Downtown Fairhope, just a few blocks in from a bluff that offers striking views of the bay, is a warren of boutiques and cafes, galleries and restaurants......
For the complete article see http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/23/AR2009012301957.html
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Arlen Lancaster has announced the availability of program funding for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for fiscal year 2009. The CIG program is designed to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies.
"CIG projects can help keep us at the leading edge of building sustainable communities," said Lancaster. "This competitive grant program helps us advance environmental goals that also contribute to and protect local economies."
The Department of Agriculture's NRCS administers CIG. For 2009, up to $20 million is available for the National CIG competition. Funds for single- or multi-year projects, not to exceed three years, will be awarded through a nationwide competitive grants process.
Among CIG categories are:
"CIG projects can help keep us at the leading edge of building sustainable communities," said Lancaster. "This competitive grant program helps us advance environmental goals that also contribute to and protect local economies."
The Department of Agriculture's NRCS administers CIG. For 2009, up to $20 million is available for the National CIG competition. Funds for single- or multi-year projects, not to exceed three years, will be awarded through a nationwide competitive grants process.
Among CIG categories are:
- Natural Resource Concerns Category: Up to $5 million is available for proposals addressing one or more of the CIG natural resource concerns. This category has been offered since 2004.
- Technology Category: Up to $6 million is available for proposals addressing one or more of the CIG technology categories. This category was offered for the first time in 2006.
Continue reading USDA ANNOUNCES CONSERVATION GRANT SIGN-UP .
Essentials of Economic Development is a two-day course offered by the Economic & Community Development Institute, a partnership of Auburn University and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
On March 5 and 6, 2009, ECDI will assemble leading economic and community development practitioners and professionals at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center to discuss fundamental ideas, concepts and success strategies for economic development.
The Course is designed to give course participants opportunities to ask questions and engage in constructive dialogue about the essential components of economic development including community development, industrial marketing and recruiting, business retention and expansion, retail development and workforce development.
Course Format
ECDI will provide each participant with a course CD containing faculty presentations and reference materials. Participants can view presentations on a personal laptop or on the screen in front of the classroom.
Who Should Attend?
Schedule
Thursday, March 5 Friday, March 6
9:00 am Registration 8:30 am First Session
9:30 am First Session 11:30 am Adjourn
11:30 am Lunch
5:00 pm Adjourn
On March 5 and 6, 2009, ECDI will assemble leading economic and community development practitioners and professionals at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center to discuss fundamental ideas, concepts and success strategies for economic development.
The Course is designed to give course participants opportunities to ask questions and engage in constructive dialogue about the essential components of economic development including community development, industrial marketing and recruiting, business retention and expansion, retail development and workforce development.
Course Format
ECDI will provide each participant with a course CD containing faculty presentations and reference materials. Participants can view presentations on a personal laptop or on the screen in front of the classroom.
Who Should Attend?
- New Economic Developers
- Chamber of Commerce Officials
- State and Local Elected Officials
- Community Leaders
- Utility Company Representatives
- Community and Regional Planners
Schedule
Thursday, March 5 Friday, March 6
9:00 am Registration 8:30 am First Session
9:30 am First Session 11:30 am Adjourn
11:30 am Lunch
5:00 pm Adjourn
Continue reading Essentials of Economic Development Course Offered.
Registration is now underway for the 2009 Annual APA Spring Conference
March 25 - 27 in Orange Beach, AL. Brochures will be mailed soon. You
can register online at www.una.edu/continuing-studies
(select Alabama Planning Institute) or call 256-765-4862 to register by
phone. We accept all major credit and debit cards. Please share this
email with others who may be interested.
The Alabama Chapter of the American Planning Association's
2009 Annual Spring Conference
"Tourism in Planning"
Course Number: 09-PZAPA
March 25 - 27, 2009
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Location: Perdido Beach Resort, Orange Beach, AL
Cost:
Early Bird Fee if registering on or before February 23, 2009 -$249
Fee if registering after February 23, 2009 - $279
Student & Retired Planners Fee - $79
Fee for Awards Dinner & Reception Only - $59
TOPICS INCLUDE:
Growth of Tourism on Alabama's Gulf Coast
Benefits of Historical Tourism
Explore, Experience, Protect, Eco-Tourism
Discovering Alabama Community Planning
Greenspace as a Cornerstone of Tourism
The Hidden Secrets in Alabama's Planning Legislation
MOBILE WORKSHOPS:
Tourism & Economic Growth at the Wharf
Getting Back to Nature: Trails & Bird Watching at Gulf State Park
The Alabama Chapter of the American Planning Association's
2009 Annual Spring Conference
"Tourism in Planning"
Course Number: 09-PZAPA
March 25 - 27, 2009
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Location: Perdido Beach Resort, Orange Beach, AL
Cost:
Early Bird Fee if registering on or before February 23, 2009 -$249
Fee if registering after February 23, 2009 - $279
Student & Retired Planners Fee - $79
Fee for Awards Dinner & Reception Only - $59
TOPICS INCLUDE:
Growth of Tourism on Alabama's Gulf Coast
Benefits of Historical Tourism
Explore, Experience, Protect, Eco-Tourism
Discovering Alabama Community Planning
Greenspace as a Cornerstone of Tourism
The Hidden Secrets in Alabama's Planning Legislation
MOBILE WORKSHOPS:
Tourism & Economic Growth at the Wharf
Getting Back to Nature: Trails & Bird Watching at Gulf State Park
Continue reading APA's 2009 Annual Spring Conference: "Tourism in Planning".
As the nature tourism industry continues to expand along Alabama's Gulf Coast, tour operators are invited to attend the free "Business of Nature" workshops, which are designed to improve business operations while promoting environmental stewardship. Set for Monday February 2nd, the first workshop focuses on the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem, including a presentation about resident Killer Whales in the Gulf, and will be held at Weeks Bay Reserve in Fairhope from 8:30 a.m. until noon.
The second workshop on Monday, February 9th explores the Mobile-Tensaw Delta ecosystem. This session spans from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Five Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort. Although the workshop content varies slightly, both events will include an economic update from the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), a session on native and invasive plants, a recap of U.S. Coast Guard vessel requirements and an update on the Dolphin SMART program.
"Nature tourism has moved beyond mere recreation and become a catalyst of economic growth," said Joanne McDonough, nature tourism specialist for the CVB. "Our vast natural diversity, in Baldwin and Mobile County, spans wetland and earthy habitats from the Gulf beaches to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, which is known as one of the most significant and valuable delta complexes in the nation. Well planned and managed nature tourism businesses can provide income to local people, and by its reliance on healthy ecosystems, offer powerful incentives to conserve and protect biodiversity."
These workshops are made possible through the support of Weeks Bay Reserve, the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Coastal Section), the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, the Auburn University Marine Extension and Research Center and NOAA. While there is no cost for a nature tourism business to attend these morning sessions, reservations are required and can be made by contacting McDonough at 251-974-4635 or jmcdonough@gulfshores.com.
The second workshop on Monday, February 9th explores the Mobile-Tensaw Delta ecosystem. This session spans from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Five Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort. Although the workshop content varies slightly, both events will include an economic update from the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), a session on native and invasive plants, a recap of U.S. Coast Guard vessel requirements and an update on the Dolphin SMART program.
"Nature tourism has moved beyond mere recreation and become a catalyst of economic growth," said Joanne McDonough, nature tourism specialist for the CVB. "Our vast natural diversity, in Baldwin and Mobile County, spans wetland and earthy habitats from the Gulf beaches to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, which is known as one of the most significant and valuable delta complexes in the nation. Well planned and managed nature tourism businesses can provide income to local people, and by its reliance on healthy ecosystems, offer powerful incentives to conserve and protect biodiversity."
These workshops are made possible through the support of Weeks Bay Reserve, the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Coastal Section), the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, the Auburn University Marine Extension and Research Center and NOAA. While there is no cost for a nature tourism business to attend these morning sessions, reservations are required and can be made by contacting McDonough at 251-974-4635 or jmcdonough@gulfshores.com.
NYC's historic Cheyenne Diner (411 9th Ave & 33rd St), "the
diner of popular demand" was for sale once again, but as of today, Michael Perlman, a.k.a "Diner-Man," brokered a deal between Joel Owens of Birmingham, AL and property owner George Papas for an undisclosed amount.
According to Perlman, the diner was slated for demolition within the next few weeks, if a buyer willing to transport the diner wasn't located. Joel Owens, head of NAIC, an investment group, became the fortunate candidate, and has announced plans to restore the Cheyenne to its 1940s glory with potential additions including a classic car museum & special events center. Owens states "This is a dream come true, especially in a state that has no historic freestanding diners." Alabama Tourism Director, Lee Sentell, states "This has the potential to be a great Alabama destination."
Read the full article: http://hdc.org/blog/2009/01/19/historic-cheyenne-diner-saved-moving-to-alabama/
The Battle of Mobile Bay is the cover article of the winter edition of Hallowed Ground magazine. Hallowed Ground is the official publication of the Civil War Preservation Trust. The magazine features an 11-page article detailing the naval battle that took place off the coast of Mobile Bay in August of 1864. The Civil War was entering into its fourth year and Mobile was the last major Confederate port not under Union control. The battle is best remembered for Union Admiral David Farragut famous "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" quote.
From the article "Damn the Torpedoes! The Battle of Mobile Bay" by Craig L. Symonds in the winter edition of Hallowed Ground:
"Along with the clash of ironclads in Hampton Roads and the duel between the Alabama and the Kearsarge off Cherbourg, France, the Battle of Mobile Bay is one of the iconic confrontations of the Civil War at sea. Indeed, Farragut's charge into Mobile Bay in August of 1864 may have been the most dramatic moment of the naval war, comparable to Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg or the Union assault up Missionary Ridge."
For the complete article see http://www.civilwar.org/hallowedground/mobilebay/index.htm
From the article "Damn the Torpedoes! The Battle of Mobile Bay" by Craig L. Symonds in the winter edition of Hallowed Ground:
"Along with the clash of ironclads in Hampton Roads and the duel between the Alabama and the Kearsarge off Cherbourg, France, the Battle of Mobile Bay is one of the iconic confrontations of the Civil War at sea. Indeed, Farragut's charge into Mobile Bay in August of 1864 may have been the most dramatic moment of the naval war, comparable to Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg or the Union assault up Missionary Ridge."
For the complete article see http://www.civilwar.org/hallowedground/mobilebay/index.htm
Digital Wish offers 43 different grants for digital camera hardware and software for your classroom. To apply, register your classroom at Digital Wish. You will be automatically entered to win a myriad of different technology grants, plus your class story will be publicly posted so that potential donors can make a contribution to your classroom. Then, Login and enter a lesson plan. Every lesson plan you enter will be automatically added to your class profile. All teachers who submit a lesson plan on Digital Wish will be automatically entered to win a Mobile Digital Camera Lab plus as many as 43 technology grants.
Grants will be awarded on the 28th of every calendar month.
Audience Served: Non-formal Educators, Private Schools, Public Schools
Age Groups: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th
Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th
Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
Fiskars Garden & Outdoor Living created Project Orange Thumb to
provide community garden groups with the tools, plants and materials
they need to reach their goals for neighborhood beautification and
horticultural education.
Project Orange Thumb recipients will receive grants of up to $1,500.00 in Fiskars® Garden Tools (retail value), as well as up to $800.00 in gardening-related materials such as plants, seeds, mulch, etc.
Gardens and/or gardening projects geared toward community involvement, neighborhood beautification, horticultural education and/or sustainable agriculture are eligible. Community garden groups, as well as schools, youth groups, retirement communities, treatment facilities, community centers, camps, clubs, etc. are encouraged to apply.
Application deadline is February 17, 2009.
http://projectorangethumb.com/pot/
Project Orange Thumb recipients will receive grants of up to $1,500.00 in Fiskars® Garden Tools (retail value), as well as up to $800.00 in gardening-related materials such as plants, seeds, mulch, etc.
Gardens and/or gardening projects geared toward community involvement, neighborhood beautification, horticultural education and/or sustainable agriculture are eligible. Community garden groups, as well as schools, youth groups, retirement communities, treatment facilities, community centers, camps, clubs, etc. are encouraged to apply.
Application deadline is February 17, 2009.
http://projectorangethumb.com/pot/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 is soliciting applications to help implement the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) and to support efforts by the agricultural community to "transition" away from high risk pesticides (Organophosphates, Carbamates, and Fumigants) to the use of less and reduced risk pesticides, alternative methods of agricultural pest control, and sustainable practices in food production. The program supports grants for education, extension, demonstration, and studies for FQPA transition and reduced risk practices for pest management in agriculture, especially on minor use crops (most fruits and vegetables).
Dates: The closing date for receipt of hard copy or electronic submission via grants.gov application package is February 28, 2009, 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time (EST). All hard copies of application packages must be received by the EPA Region 4 (Atlanta, GA) office. Applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered for funding.
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/grants/r4-2009rfa.htm
Sand Island Lighthouse, the 135-year-old tower at the entrance of Mobile Bay, will be featured on a U.S. Postal Service stamp this year. It's one of five Gulf Coast lighthouses selected for a commemorative collection slated to be released in the summer. Paintings of lighthouses in Matagorda Island, Texas; Sabine Pass, La.; Biloxi, Miss.; and Fort Jefferson, Fla. will also be part of the 42-cent stamp collection. www.usps.com
The Alabama Tourism Department is asking representatives from state attractions and events to turn in their 2008 attendance figures. These figures are used by state tourism in economic impact studies and are the basis for the annual "Top 10" list. Attendance figures will be released to the media and included in press kits sent to travel writers and group tour operators.
In order for you to be counted we must have your data by Friday, January 23, 2009. The reporting process has been streamlined to allow you to enter your attendance figures directly online. The entire process should take less than 5 minutes to complete. Please follow this link to enter your attendance figures:
http://www.800alabama.com/about-alabama/news/press/attendance.cfm
In order for you to be counted we must have your data by Friday, January 23, 2009. The reporting process has been streamlined to allow you to enter your attendance figures directly online. The entire process should take less than 5 minutes to complete. Please follow this link to enter your attendance figures:
http://www.800alabama.com/about-alabama/news/press/attendance.cfm
NY -Bird and nature fans throughout North America are invited to join tens of thousands of bird watchers for the 12th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), February 13-16, 2009.
A joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society, this free event is an opportunity for families, students, and people of all ages to discover the wonders of nature in backyards, schoolyards, and local parks, and, at the same time, make an important contribution to conservation.
"Anyone who can identify even a few species can contribute to the body of knowledge that is used to inform conservation efforts to protect birds and biodiversity," said Audubon Education Vice-President, Judy Braus.
Volunteers take part by counting birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the event and reporting their sightings online at www.birdcount.org. The data help researchers understand bird population trends across the continent, information that is critical for effective conservation. In 2008, participants submitted more than 85,000 checklists, a new record.
"The GBBC has become a vital link in the arsenal of continent wide bird-monitoring projects," said Cornell Lab of Ornithology director John Fitzpatrick. "With more than a decade of data now in hand, the GBBC has documented striking changes in late-winter bird distributions."
Participants submit thousands of digital images for the GBBC photo contest each year. Last year's winners have been chosen and are now posted on the web site. Participants are also invited to upload their bird videos to YouTube tagged "GBBC." Some of them will also be featured on the GBBC web site. All participants will be entered in a drawing to win dozens of birding items, including stuffed birds, clocks, books, feeders, and more.
Businesses, schools, nature clubs, Scout troops, and other community organizations interested in the GBBC can contact the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at (800) 843-2473 (outside the U.S., call (607) 254-2473), or Audubon at citizenscience@audubon.org or (215) 355-9588, Ext 16.
The Great Backyard Bird Count is made possible, in part, by support from Wild Birds Unlimited.
A joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society, this free event is an opportunity for families, students, and people of all ages to discover the wonders of nature in backyards, schoolyards, and local parks, and, at the same time, make an important contribution to conservation.
"Anyone who can identify even a few species can contribute to the body of knowledge that is used to inform conservation efforts to protect birds and biodiversity," said Audubon Education Vice-President, Judy Braus.
Volunteers take part by counting birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the event and reporting their sightings online at www.birdcount.org. The data help researchers understand bird population trends across the continent, information that is critical for effective conservation. In 2008, participants submitted more than 85,000 checklists, a new record.
"The GBBC has become a vital link in the arsenal of continent wide bird-monitoring projects," said Cornell Lab of Ornithology director John Fitzpatrick. "With more than a decade of data now in hand, the GBBC has documented striking changes in late-winter bird distributions."
Participants submit thousands of digital images for the GBBC photo contest each year. Last year's winners have been chosen and are now posted on the web site. Participants are also invited to upload their bird videos to YouTube tagged "GBBC." Some of them will also be featured on the GBBC web site. All participants will be entered in a drawing to win dozens of birding items, including stuffed birds, clocks, books, feeders, and more.
Businesses, schools, nature clubs, Scout troops, and other community organizations interested in the GBBC can contact the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at (800) 843-2473 (outside the U.S., call (607) 254-2473), or Audubon at citizenscience@audubon.org or (215) 355-9588, Ext 16.
The Great Backyard Bird Count is made possible, in part, by support from Wild Birds Unlimited.
Certified Alabama Planning and Zoning Official (CAPZO) training is being offered at the Helena City Hall beginning Thursday night, January 15, 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Complete course description and a registration form can be found on our web site at www.una.edu/continuing-studies, select Alabama Planning Institute.
HELENA CITY HALL
816 Highway 52, Helena, AL 35080
The Legal Foundation for Planning and Zoning in Alabama
Thursday, January 15, 2009: 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. (Course No. 09-PZ105)
Powers, Duties, & Responsibilities of Planning Commissions and Boards of Adjustment
Thursday, February 5, 2009: 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. (Course No. 09-PZ106)
Comprehensive Planning: How to Prepare, Update, and Implement Your Plan
Thursday, February 19, 2009: 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. (Course No. 09-PZ107)
Basic Zoning & Subdivision Regulations
Thursday, March 5, 2009: 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. (Course No. 09-PZ108)
Meeting Management and Dispute Resolution
Saturday, March 21, 2009: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Course No. 09-PZ109)
Need CAPZO recertification? Sign Regulation and Manufactured Housing in Your Community, Helena, AL - Saturday, January 31, 200: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Course No. 09-PZ131)
Complete course description and a registration form can be found on our web site at www.una.edu/continuing-studies, select Alabama Planning Institute.
HELENA CITY HALL
816 Highway 52, Helena, AL 35080
The Legal Foundation for Planning and Zoning in Alabama
Thursday, January 15, 2009: 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. (Course No. 09-PZ105)
Powers, Duties, & Responsibilities of Planning Commissions and Boards of Adjustment
Thursday, February 5, 2009: 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. (Course No. 09-PZ106)
Comprehensive Planning: How to Prepare, Update, and Implement Your Plan
Thursday, February 19, 2009: 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. (Course No. 09-PZ107)
Basic Zoning & Subdivision Regulations
Thursday, March 5, 2009: 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. (Course No. 09-PZ108)
Meeting Management and Dispute Resolution
Saturday, March 21, 2009: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Course No. 09-PZ109)
Need CAPZO recertification? Sign Regulation and Manufactured Housing in Your Community, Helena, AL - Saturday, January 31, 200: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Course No. 09-PZ131)
Working with the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham, Tarrant has drafted and adopted a Comprehensive Plan. The City adopted a Comprehensive Land Use and Zoning Ordinance to compliment the Comprehensive Plan. Some projects, like the Five mile Creek Greenway project, were underway and continue to be developed. However, like too many city plans, some of the other community needs identified within the Comprehensive Plan were shelved along with the plan. The intent is to use the opportunity that the ACE program provides to bring all the shareholders to the table to have a serious discussion about the future of the City. Intended outcomes include: leadership development within the City, the development of strategic plans with identified goals and action steps to be taken to reach those goals, improved communication between the school board and the city officials in an attempt to have each understand the needs of the other and promote a unified plan that best serves the needs of both, to improve a sense of place that folk will be proud to call their home, and to address community and economic development in order to grow and prosper. Tarrant has seen better times. There is no reason that this community, that is contiguous to City of Birmingham, its international airport, and transportation corridors should not continue to improve and become the best that it can be.
The Alabama Communities of Excellence (ACE) program is a comprehensive three-phase approach to economic and community development for cities with populations between 2,000 and 12,000. With the mission of helping Alabama's smaller communities to plan, grow and prosper, ACE partners from the private sector, governmental agencies, and universities work with each community to successfully achieve the vision and goals created during the ACE program. (www.alabamacommunitiesofexcellence.org)
The Alabama Communities of Excellence (ACE) program is a comprehensive three-phase approach to economic and community development for cities with populations between 2,000 and 12,000. With the mission of helping Alabama's smaller communities to plan, grow and prosper, ACE partners from the private sector, governmental agencies, and universities work with each community to successfully achieve the vision and goals created during the ACE program. (www.alabamacommunitiesofexcellence.org)
From the article "Alabama ranks fourth in nation for inbound moves" by Lauren B. Cooper in the Jan.7 edition of the Birmingham Business Journal:
Alabama ranked fourth in the country for the most inbound household moves last year in a new national report conducted by a moving company. According to United Van Lines' migration study, more than 58 percent of the company's total shipments in and out of Alabama were inbound, compared to nearly 42 percent outbound. That's fourth behind the District of Columbia with more than 62 percent inbound traffic last year, Nevada with more than 59 percent and North Carolina with more than 58 percent.
Those states that had the most outbound traffic included, respectively, Michigan with more than 67 percent outbound traffic last year, North Dakota with nearly 59 percent, New Jersey with nearly 59 percent and Pennsylvania with 58 percent. United Van Lines tracked shipment patterns in each state and based the study on 198,962 interstate household moves in the country in 2008, said a news release.
For the complete article see http://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/stories/2009/01/05/daily23.html
Alabama ranked fourth in the country for the most inbound household moves last year in a new national report conducted by a moving company. According to United Van Lines' migration study, more than 58 percent of the company's total shipments in and out of Alabama were inbound, compared to nearly 42 percent outbound. That's fourth behind the District of Columbia with more than 62 percent inbound traffic last year, Nevada with more than 59 percent and North Carolina with more than 58 percent.
Those states that had the most outbound traffic included, respectively, Michigan with more than 67 percent outbound traffic last year, North Dakota with nearly 59 percent, New Jersey with nearly 59 percent and Pennsylvania with 58 percent. United Van Lines tracked shipment patterns in each state and based the study on 198,962 interstate household moves in the country in 2008, said a news release.
For the complete article see http://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/stories/2009/01/05/daily23.html
Several Alabama destinations were among the top ten winners in the annual Southern Living Readers' Choice Awards for Best in the South.
Featured destinations and their award categories include:
Highlands Bar and Grill in Birmingham- Splurge Worthy Restaurants; Gulf Shores/Orange Beach- Best Beaches; Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores- Best Festivals; Bellingrath Gardens in Theodore and Birmingham Botanical Gardens- Best Public Gardens; Homewood in Birmingham- Best Neighborhoods for Shopping; Grand Hotel in Point Clear- Best Hotels; Carnival Cruises- Best Cruise Lines; Gulf Shores/Orange Beach- Best Family Destinations; Fairhope- Best Small Towns.
Individual rankings of the destinations and a full list of categories can be found in the January issue of the magazine. http://www.southernliving.com/travel/2009-readers-choice-awards-00400000036477/page17.html
Thanks to Brian Jones at the Alabama Tourism Department for this and many other tourism-oriented news items here on the Your Town Alabama blog!
Featured destinations and their award categories include:
Highlands Bar and Grill in Birmingham- Splurge Worthy Restaurants; Gulf Shores/Orange Beach- Best Beaches; Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores- Best Festivals; Bellingrath Gardens in Theodore and Birmingham Botanical Gardens- Best Public Gardens; Homewood in Birmingham- Best Neighborhoods for Shopping; Grand Hotel in Point Clear- Best Hotels; Carnival Cruises- Best Cruise Lines; Gulf Shores/Orange Beach- Best Family Destinations; Fairhope- Best Small Towns.
Individual rankings of the destinations and a full list of categories can be found in the January issue of the magazine. http://www.southernliving.com/travel/2009-readers-choice-awards-00400000036477/page17.html
Thanks to Brian Jones at the Alabama Tourism Department for this and many other tourism-oriented news items here on the Your Town Alabama blog!
On March 12, 13, and 14, enter a late 1700s/early 1800s camp on the bank of the Alabama River at the Claiborne Lock and Dam. Witness
first-hand the lifestyles of the first inhabitants of Monroe County,
when the area was filled with Creek Indians, European traders,
travelers, American settlers, and militiamen. Walk around the typical
river campsite and talk to the demonstrators. Join Creek Indians in a
traditional game of "stick ball" and dance the traditional "stomp
dance." This living history event is ideal for school groups on
Thursday and Friday from 9:00-2:00. Teachers, contact in advance. The
festivities will continue through to Saturday, open to the general
public, from 9:00-4:00.
Over 30 demonstrators and living history reenactors will be in costume to depict the characters from Alabama's colonial era. The 1814 militiamen of Fort Toulouse (north of Montgomery) portray the frontiersmen of the time. Native American lifestyles are portrayed by "Blue Heron," reenactor from Florida, among others. Watch stone points, arrowheads and spearheads being made. John Hall, a retired University of Alabama professor, portrays William Bartram, a naturalist who traveled this area in the 1700's. Pat Meyers, a Satsuma tugboat pilot, will display replicas of riverboats. The Hvsosv Tallvhassee (Ha - so - sa Tallahassee) Stomp Dancers from the Poarch Creek Band of Indians, of Atmore, Alabama, demonstrate the traditional dance of the Creek Indian People called stomp dance. Trade or buy items from the Painted Bear Trading Company. Listen to authentic River Music by Riverboat John. Handmade crafts will be available for sale to the public, for young and old alike. Concessions will be available. Ideal learning environment for school field trips, contact Kevin Mannix at (251) 575-7433 or mchm@frontiernet.net.
All made possible by an education grant from the J.L. Bedsole Foundation of Mobile, Alabama.
Location: Alabama River Museum, Claiborne Lock & Dam, Franklin, Alabama
Date: March 12-14, 2009
Time: 9:00-2:00
Admission: $7.00 adults, $5.00 students/seniors
For more information contact: Monroe County Heritage Museums (251) 575-7433 or email mchm@frontiernet.net
Over 30 demonstrators and living history reenactors will be in costume to depict the characters from Alabama's colonial era. The 1814 militiamen of Fort Toulouse (north of Montgomery) portray the frontiersmen of the time. Native American lifestyles are portrayed by "Blue Heron," reenactor from Florida, among others. Watch stone points, arrowheads and spearheads being made. John Hall, a retired University of Alabama professor, portrays William Bartram, a naturalist who traveled this area in the 1700's. Pat Meyers, a Satsuma tugboat pilot, will display replicas of riverboats. The Hvsosv Tallvhassee (Ha - so - sa Tallahassee) Stomp Dancers from the Poarch Creek Band of Indians, of Atmore, Alabama, demonstrate the traditional dance of the Creek Indian People called stomp dance. Trade or buy items from the Painted Bear Trading Company. Listen to authentic River Music by Riverboat John. Handmade crafts will be available for sale to the public, for young and old alike. Concessions will be available. Ideal learning environment for school field trips, contact Kevin Mannix at (251) 575-7433 or mchm@frontiernet.net.
All made possible by an education grant from the J.L. Bedsole Foundation of Mobile, Alabama.
Location: Alabama River Museum, Claiborne Lock & Dam, Franklin, Alabama
Date: March 12-14, 2009
Time: 9:00-2:00
Admission: $7.00 adults, $5.00 students/seniors
For more information contact: Monroe County Heritage Museums (251) 575-7433 or email mchm@frontiernet.net
The Lowe's Toolbox for Education awards $2,000 to $5,000 to non-profit public
schools for projects that encourage parent involvement and build a stronger
community. The Lowe's Toolbox for Education accepts only the first 1,500
applications per grant period. For the 2009 school year the first deadline is 5pm EST
on February 13, 2009. http://www.eeinalabama.org/net/content/go.aspx?s=43450.0.115.37934
schools for projects that encourage parent involvement and build a stronger
community. The Lowe's Toolbox for Education accepts only the first 1,500
applications per grant period. For the 2009 school year the first deadline is 5pm EST
on February 13, 2009. http://www.eeinalabama.org/net/content/go.aspx?s=43450.0.115.37934
Agency: National Endowment for the Humanities
Eligibility: Classroom teachers and librarians in public, private, parochial, and charter schools, as well as home-schooling parents are eligible to participate. Other K-12 school personnel, including administrators, substitute teachers, and classroom paraprofessionals, are also eligible to participate, subject to available space.
Teachers at schools in the United States or its territorial possessions or Americans teaching in
foreign schools where at least 50 percent of the students are American nationals are eligible for this program. Applicants must be United States citizens, residents of U.S. jurisdictions, or foreign nationals who have been residing in the United States or its territories for at least the three years immediately preceding the application deadline. Foreign nationals teaching abroad are not eligible to apply.
Applicants must complete the NEH application and provide all of the information requested to be considered eligible. An individual may apply to and participate in a maximum of two (2) Workshops, and may not apply to a program previously attended. Past or present participation in the NEH Summer Seminars and Institutes program does not affect an individual's eligibility to participate in Landmarks programs.
Eligibility: Classroom teachers and librarians in public, private, parochial, and charter schools, as well as home-schooling parents are eligible to participate. Other K-12 school personnel, including administrators, substitute teachers, and classroom paraprofessionals, are also eligible to participate, subject to available space.
Teachers at schools in the United States or its territorial possessions or Americans teaching in
foreign schools where at least 50 percent of the students are American nationals are eligible for this program. Applicants must be United States citizens, residents of U.S. jurisdictions, or foreign nationals who have been residing in the United States or its territories for at least the three years immediately preceding the application deadline. Foreign nationals teaching abroad are not eligible to apply.
Applicants must complete the NEH application and provide all of the information requested to be considered eligible. An individual may apply to and participate in a maximum of two (2) Workshops, and may not apply to a program previously attended. Past or present participation in the NEH Summer Seminars and Institutes program does not affect an individual's eligibility to participate in Landmarks programs.
February 3-6, 2009
Join us for the "grand opening" of the Alabama Folk School at Camp McDowell! As a way to welcome friends to our new school, a limited number of adult students will be allowed a rare opportunity to Sample the Arts. Choose as many as three of the following classes during this one-of-a-kind workshop: quilting, carpentry, photography, pottery, and old-time music (classes for each: fiddle, banjo, guitar, and bass).
Whether you have experience with these types of folk art or none at all, you are welcome to join us in sampling these unique 3-hour classes. You will leave with a project that is well underway and you will be amazed at what you have learned.
Beginning with a late afternoon wine and cheese on Tuesday, the workshop will feature nationally and locally recognized folk artists sharing the traditions of their crafts. Class instructors include NEA National Heritage Fellow, quilter Bettye Kimbrell; renowned musicians Herb Trotman & Kathy Hinkle (of the Herb Trotman Band), and Joyce & Jim Cauthen (of Red Mountain and Flying Jenny); potter Sandra Heaven; professional photographer Kenneth Boone; and carpenters Mark Johnston (Camp Director) and Clyde Pearce. You can choose to work on:
Concluding with a student art exhibition and lunch on Friday, this workshop is offered at a very low, introductory rate of $175. A typical 4-day session at the Folk School costs $450. This rate includes meals, lodging, tuition, and art supplies.
Please call Danielle Dunbar, at 205-563-9990, to register or for more information--or visit our website at http://www.campmcdowell.com/FolkSchool/index.htm Call soon as space is limited.
Join us for the "grand opening" of the Alabama Folk School at Camp McDowell! As a way to welcome friends to our new school, a limited number of adult students will be allowed a rare opportunity to Sample the Arts. Choose as many as three of the following classes during this one-of-a-kind workshop: quilting, carpentry, photography, pottery, and old-time music (classes for each: fiddle, banjo, guitar, and bass).
Whether you have experience with these types of folk art or none at all, you are welcome to join us in sampling these unique 3-hour classes. You will leave with a project that is well underway and you will be amazed at what you have learned.
Beginning with a late afternoon wine and cheese on Tuesday, the workshop will feature nationally and locally recognized folk artists sharing the traditions of their crafts. Class instructors include NEA National Heritage Fellow, quilter Bettye Kimbrell; renowned musicians Herb Trotman & Kathy Hinkle (of the Herb Trotman Band), and Joyce & Jim Cauthen (of Red Mountain and Flying Jenny); potter Sandra Heaven; professional photographer Kenneth Boone; and carpenters Mark Johnston (Camp Director) and Clyde Pearce. You can choose to work on:
- a leaf-pounding technique and trapunto hand-quilting,
- fiddle, banjo, guitar, or bass instruction, and a slow jam and singing workshop,
- composition and landscape photography sessions,
- hand-formed pottery with botanical impressions,
- framing a small rustic cabin, Clare's Cottage, which will be a retreat house at Camp McDowell
Concluding with a student art exhibition and lunch on Friday, this workshop is offered at a very low, introductory rate of $175. A typical 4-day session at the Folk School costs $450. This rate includes meals, lodging, tuition, and art supplies.
Please call Danielle Dunbar, at 205-563-9990, to register or for more information--or visit our website at http://www.campmcdowell.com/FolkSchool/index.htm Call soon as space is limited.
